Capri, Italy travel information

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, connecting service (change of planes) to Naples is offered on Lufthansa and British. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $466, excluding taxes and fees. You then take the hydrofoil or ferry to Capri; prices start about $15, one way. Info: http://www.capri.com/en/ferry-schedule.

TELEPHONES

To call these numbers from the U.S., dial 011 (international dialing code), 39 (country code for Italy), 081 (the regional code) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Punta Tragara, 57 Via Tragara; 837-0844, http://www.hoteltragara.com/eng/hotel.htm. Le Corbusier, one of 20th century's great architects, designed the luxurious villa that is now Hotel Punta Tragara, a stylish boutique hotel with panoramic views of the sea. Perched on a hilltop above the faraglioni, the island's iconic rock formations, Punta Tragara is away from the noise and craziness of central Capri Town. Rooms are attractively furnished; most open onto private balconies or terraces. Spa, restaurant, pool. Doubles from $558 a night.

Grand Hotel Quisisana, 2 Via Camarelle; 837-0788, http://www.quisisana.com/en/index. This hotel, in the center of Capri Town, is every bit as grand as the name implies. Celebrities from Ingrid Bergman to Sting have patronized it. Vegas-like complex with indoor and outdoor pools, spa, restaurants, bars and a small convention center. Excellent service; elegant rooms. If you can't afford the tariff, have a drink in the terrace bar and watch the tourists pass by. Doubles from $399 a night.

Hotel Gato Bianco, 32 Via Vitoria Emanuele; 837-0446, http://www.gattobianco-capri.com. Centrally located in Capri Town, Gato Bianco (white cat) is a relative bargain on this pricey island. The whitewashed hotel's rooms are small, but tidy and colorful, and all open to a terrace or balcony. Breakfast included. Doubles from $159.

WHERE TO EAT

Da Giorgio Ristorante, 34 Via Roma, 837-5777, http://www.dagiorgiocapri.com. This seafood restaurant and pizzeria ranks among the island's best and has the added advantage of offering diners a panoramic view of the Bay of Naples. The seafood is just-off-the-boat fresh and the pizza and pasta light and flavorful. Entrees from $25.

La Fontelina, 1 Faraglioni; 837-0845. (no website). Roman emperors once dallied here, where the land meets the sea. La Fontelina beach club and restaurant offers a wonderfully scenic spot to have lunch or spend a day lying on the rocks looking at the water and the Faraglioni rocks, a Capri icon. Entrees about $25; beach rentals (a spot on a rock, chair and umbrella) about $80 a day.